The Answers

January 20

Here lie the answers to the pre-game log questions that I had written prior to the game. The conclusions were dictated by a 3-1 loss in Denver.

1. Energy? There was not enough to go around tonight in the full 60-minute spectrum. Glimpses of pressure and effort were there, but not sustainable to produce some much needed offense.

2 Freddy Modin? He scored the lone goal. An extremely solid effort with 15:24 of ice, three shots and was around the net like a hawk and in the corners, where he protected the puck well and helped creates space for others.

3. Secondary scoring? No, not really, but thanks to Freddy, his first of the year was the only goal recorded. Shots were spread evenly, but grade A opportunities still belong to Nash and Zherdev.

4. Fedorov and Hainsey? They were still out and remain questionable for Tuesday's return in Dallas.

5. Derick Brassard? He had his minutes moved up to 12:48 and collected his first NHL point with an assist. When he was needed in the third period, he was called upon to center Modin and Nash. Watch to see if this transformation is what the doctor ordered for some consistent offensive prowess for the remainder of the year. Brassard has all the tools and will need to get stronger. The same sentence that was used to describe a guy named Nash a few years back.

6. The Battle of the goaltenders? It was a victory tonight for the second star of the game, Jose Theodore, who stopped 26-of-27 shots. He stoned Nash in the second period with a glove save. The save of the game as it would have made it 2-1 Avs.

The series sweep is now a distant memory. It is now on to Dallas!

PS... There is a thorn that is stiffly wedged in my crawl at this time as one writes. When asking for a pre game FSN Ohio interview tonight for a specified Avs' player, the PR staff of Colorado refused our request... The same old problem, with the same people involved with this organization, controlling the players that play for the Colorado Avalanche. As a franchise that is trying to sell hockey to the state of Ohio and parts around the TV and radio dial, it concerns those of us in the game that simple requests for a player's appearance should be granted. It is especially mind boggling, that year after year the same problems with this situation linger for every team in the league. It is time to address the problem Colorado and grant the NHL your stars!!!!

Thank you for listening!!

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings". The Columbus Blue Jackets broadcasters will try to keep you update on all the behind the scenes action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets hit the road. The next road game is 1/22/08 @Dallas.